Nebraska
Keeler: When will CU Buffs, Nebraska renew football rivalry after Saturday night? “It’s going to be a while,” Cornhuskers AD says
Fun fact: New Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen is the proud father of a CU grad. Heck, he even watched his daughter’s commencement ceremonies at Folsom Field recently from the comfort of Buffs AD Rick George’s office.
“She loved it. She loved (CU),” Dannen said by phone earlier this week.
“Pretty good view of the stadium from RIck’s office,” I said.
“It’s a great view of the stadium from Rick’s office,” Dannen replied. “It’s a really, really good view of a lot of things from Rick’s office.”
This week is personal for Dannen, but in a good way. He likes George. He likes Boulder. Heck, he likes CU-Nebraska, and what it means to two fan bases who love to hate on one another.
Saturday night’s Buffs-Cornhuskers tussle at Memorial Stadium marks the end of a four-game, twin home-and-home contract between CU and Nebraska. Alas, it takes two to tango when it comes to keeping a rivalry series going.
And right now, the Huskers administrator told me, the Big Red’s dance card doesn’t have much wiggle room.
“Obviously now, with nine Big Ten (conference) games, and we’ve got Tennessee and Oklahoma on the schedule in years to come, it’s going to be a while before (CU-Nebraska) could potentially fit into anybody’s schedule,” said Dannen, who replaced Trev Alberts in March.
“But I think that in this era of the 12-team (College Football Playoff) bracket, (what) I’m particularly curious about right now is how the playoff selection committee views good nonconference games. How important are they? And I think we’ll learn a lot this year and next year. Which I think is going to really dictate for a lot of us how we schedule out moving forward.”
Simply put, Dannen and Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule are in wait-and-see mode when it comes to any scheduling beyond the next few years. Specifically, they want to see how the CFP selection committee treats September tests before locking up any more dates with fellow Power 4 schools — or old Big Eight/Big 12 peers.
“I think for Nebraska fans, anytime we play a school that we were in the Big 12 with, there’s a sense of rivalry,” Dannen continued. “The greatest years in our history were against those Big 12 schools. And so I think there is that sense of rivalry, obviously, with Oklahoma, with Colorado — but really with anyone in the Big 12. But I know (CU-Nebraska) is a game, when you get a former Big 12 partner, and you’re at home, it’s special to the fan base.”
The Big Ten’s nine-league game schedule is one hurdle, Dannen said. Another is his desire to maintain seven home dates per season as a baseline. The next five pre-conference Septembers for the Huskers stick largely to formula: one Power 4 opponent (the Buffs at home in ’24; Cincy in Indianapolis in ’25; Tennessee at home in ’26; the Vols on the road in ’27; Arizona at home in ’28) and at least two Memorial Stadium dates out of three available slots.
“The financial model is always going to be built around seven home games, so that limits your ability to go on the road in certain years,” the Nebraska AD said. “So not only do you have to have the opening, but it also has to sync with when you can be at home and when you have the ability to travel.”
Based on reported schedules, the earliest the Buffs and Huskers both have concurring open dates is the third week of September 2029. But that also seems an unlikely fit given that Nebraska is visiting Oklahoma on Sept. 15 of that year and would probably prefer a home game. CU’s non-conference slate is currently booked up for 2030 and 2031.
The Buffs and Huskers have matching open dates the third weekend of September in 2032 and in ’33. Nebraska’s only published nonconference September obligations after that are a home-and-home series with Oklahoma State on Sept. 16, 2034 (Lincoln) and Sept. 15, 2035 (Stillwater).
“We’re really on hold right now, I think, through the end of the season,” Dannen stressed. “Until … we see how the selection committee looks at nonconference games, and then we’ll kind of regroup and strategize. But (Rhule and I) haven’t talked any specifics at all on non-conference scheduling.”
He hasn’t gone into many specifics with George, either, despite a friendship that dates back to Dannen’s previous tenures as the AD at Washington (’23-’24) and Tulane (2015-23).
“He’s one of the most highly respected (administrators) in the business,” Dannen said of the CU AD. “And over the years, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to learn a lot from Rick. I think very, very highly of him.”
He thinks very, very highly of Buffs-Huskers, too.
“You’d watch the Detroit Lions game and the Dallas Cowboys game on a (Thanksgiving) Thursday and you’d watch (CU-Nebraska) on a Friday, right?” Dannen said. “And so it means something.
“Because for a lot of us, it brings back great memories — whether you watched it with your dad, or everybody went over to somebody’s house, and there were multiple families there, (or) your friends were around. And that’s how you watched the game at that time.”
Per SportsMediaWatch.com, last September’s showdown between the old Big 12/Big Eight rivals drew a reported 8.73 million eyeballs on Fox. The 2019 meeting at Folsom drew 3.45 million viewers. The 2018 game in Lincoln registered 3.394 million viewers. And if we know anything about where big-time college sports is parked, it’s that if the TV networks want something bad enough, it’ll happen.
“Obviously with Oklahoma and Tennessee on our schedule, if the SEC were to go from eight to nine (conference) games, that (could open up dates),” Dannen noted. “There are a lot of dominoes that haven’t fallen that could potentially fall that would impact how you look at scheduling going forward. Things outside of your control may arise.”
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.
I recently read an article by Nate McHugh of SB Nation that stated the last two “sure things” to bring Nebraska football back failed. The first “thing” is back coaching at UCF, and the second “thing” is now wearing an Oregon uniform. Because these two “sure things” failed, McHugh points to them as reasons for Husker fan’s frustration. But did he miss the third reason? If I’m not mistaken, the hiring of Matt Rhule felt like one of those “sure things” as well. But after the ‘mythical’ year three and disappointment it became clear Rhule’s hiring was anything but a “sure thing” for success.
Because of that fans are torn how they feel about Rhule. I’m one of them. I catch myself saying Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska and then quickly point out that his overall record as a head coach is 66-62. Clearly mediocre compared to Kyle Whittingham (177-88) or James Franklin (104-45). But Rhule hasn’t stayed anywhere long enough to truly establish himself like Whittingham or Franklin either.
See what I mean, I’m quick to point out his shortcomings but still believe he can make the Huskers relevant again. Where Husker fans struggle is that Rhule has in fact taken us to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2015-2016 yet allowed his team to get curb stomped by Penn State, Iowa, and Utah to end the season.
So, fans are leery going into the 2026 season. What are we going to get considering the schedule? The Huskers get Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State at home, and Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa on the road. While no game is a sure win, if they can’t notch victories against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers, then we’ll once again question if Rhule is the right man. Simply put, the fan base will be disappointed with another 6-6 season. Personally, with the coaching changes and improvement in talent, my expectation is a record of 7-5 or 8-4 on the season.
Tim Verghese of ‘Inside Nebraska’ got my attention last week when talking about fans giving recruits a negative vibe and possibly influencing their decision to commit to a program. He used Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M as an example. The fanbase was so negative about Fisher that it made recruits question how secure he was at A&M. Obviously recruits had reason to be worried.
Does that affect how I approach what I write or talk about? It does, but then again, I don’t think so much of myself to think it matters. I see myself as your typical fan. I’m just someone who shares their thoughts about Husker football. And frankly, like 50% or more of the fans, I’m torn between being supportive and negativity. We’ve been burned too many times and haven’t seen the things that we need to see to convince us a turnaround is about to happen. Whether it’s offense, defense, or beating the teams they are supposed to beat (Minnesota & Iowa) there just hasn’t been any consistency from Rhule’s teams. As fans we need to see Rhule’s teams win the games they are supposed to, then win the close games, and finally beat the teams they aren’t supposed to. Until we see Rhule’s teams take those steps, there will be doubt and a level of negativity.
As far as recruits are concerned, I don’t see Rhule going anywhere. He’s safe due to his contract, the investment being made on the stadium, and Trae Taylor making it clear he’s all ‘N’ as long as Matt Rhule is the head man. He may just be a senior in high school, but don’t think QB Trae Taylor doesn’t play a role here. He does. And I’m good with that. Taylor has the same expectations as the fans.
And no, those expectations aren’t too high. I’ve been a fan for over fifty years. The standard at Nebraska was set a long time ago. That standard hasn’t changed. Nebraska fans may be up and down on how they feel about Rhule, but they are consistent on their expectations. The standard is the standard and always will be.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
Stay on top of Husker football at CarrikerChronicles.com
The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 8.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 8 drawing
8-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 8 drawing
01-03-12-24-26
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 8 drawing
Red Balls: 02-20, White Balls: 09-11
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 8 drawing
Month: 01, Day: 16, Year: 17
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Athletics announced Friday that the expansion of John Cook Arena is in full swing.
The Nebraska Athletics Capital Planning and Facilities Department posted to social media that the effort to modernize amenities and provide new seating options is well underway.
According to the athletic fund, the renovation will enhance Nebraska’s home-court advantage, modernize amenities and provide new premium and general seating options. This includes adding:
- New and improved seats with cup holders in each seat.
- A new centralized student section.
- New and improved courtside seating with both end court and side court locations available. The Courtside Lounge offers access pregame and during intermission and includes private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food, beverage and alcohol.
- New Loge Box seating with hospitality lounge with access pregame and during intermission, including access to private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and beverage with a cash bar.
- Libero Club seating replaces the VIP seats. Located in the back row of the 100 level, seats include access to the Libero Club Lounge pregame and during intermission complete with televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and soft drinks with a cash bar.
- Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.
The Husker Athletic Fund announced the first-ever reseating and parking process in October 2025. It is timed to coincide with the renovation of the arena to increase overall capacity to 10,000.
For more information about the reseating process, click here.
Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
-
Politics2 minutes agoVideo: The G.O.P. Rush To Break Up Majority-Black Districts
-
Business8 minutes agoHow ‘The View’ Landed at the Center of a Free Speech Battle
-
Science14 minutes agoPentagon Releases Files on U.F.O.s
-
Health20 minutes agoGuava for Weight Loss Is a Real Thing—Here’s the Juicy Truth
-
Culture32 minutes agoWhy Is Everyone Obsessed With Bogs?
-
Lifestyle38 minutes agoHow ‘Mile End Kicks’ Nailed the Indie Sleaze Look
-
Technology50 minutes agoThese great digital gifts will arrive just in time for Mother’s Day
-
World56 minutes agoNorth Korea updates constitution to require automatic nuclear strike if Kim Jong Un is assassinated: report